Methodological approach towards a Gap Assessment of the Serbian microbiology system in the function of surveillance in line with EU standards and acquis

Introduction. Italian and Serbian Health authorities performed an in-depth Gap Assessment of the Serbian microbiology system in the function of communicable disease surveillance using a methodology adapted to context and information needs. Methods. There were two study phases: a capacity based survey and an equipment mapping survey. Invited participants included national health authorities, heads of national reference laboratories and of public/private diagnostic laboratories in Serbia. Findings were analysed preliminarily and identified gaps were discussed, prioritized and validated through two ad hoc workshops involving all concerned institutions. Results. The Gap Assessment was performed between September and December 2017. The overall response rate was 69% for phase one and 74% for phase two. Identified gaps were assessed as highly relevant during the project workshops. Discussion. Gaps and priorities were highlighted, validated, and studied with a suitable level of detail to develop a concrete action-plan. The same methodological approach could be used to monitor progress in Serbia as well as in other EU candidate countries.